Electrical engineering Jobs in Downey, CA

Job Title: Electrical Engineer – Spaceflight Hardware Design

Job Description

This role focuses on the end-to-end hardware design of software-defined radio (SDR) systems for spaceflight electronics. You will design and analyze complex electrical circuits, perform simulations and reliability assessments, and support testing and integration activities. You will work on power, analog, high-speed digital, and RF/microwave circuits that directly contribute to multiple spaceflight programs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical circuits for spaceflight hardware, including power, analog, high-speed digital, and RF/microwave subsystems.
• Support the full lifecycle of SDR-based spaceflight electronics, from concept and design through integration and test.
• Create and maintain detailed hardware designs and schematics using industry-standard electronic design tools.
• Run time-domain and frequency-domain simulations to validate and optimize circuit performance and signal integrity.
• Conduct reliability analysis to ensure hardware meets the stringent requirements of spaceflight environments.
• Analyze existing hardware designs to identify improvements, resolve issues, and enhance performance and robustness.
• Collaborate closely with other engineers to support hardware testing, troubleshooting, and system-level integration.
• Use laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes and related test instruments to verify and validate hardware functionality.
• Document design decisions, analysis results, and test outcomes to support traceability and future design iterations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF/Microwave Engineering, Power Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience designing spaceflight hardware.
• Hands-on experience with hardware design for power, analog, high-speed digital, and RF/microwave circuits.
• Proficiency with electronic design tools such as Altium or similar PCB design software.
• Ability to perform detailed circuit analysis and design for complex hardware systems.
• Experience using laboratory test equipment, including oscilloscopes, for hardware validation and troubleshooting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with time-domain and frequency-domain simulations using tools such as LTspice, SIwave, HFSS, or similar platforms.
• Experience in RF design and high-speed digital design for demanding environments such as spaceflight.
• Familiarity with analysis and reliability assessment techniques for mission-critical electronics.
• Interest in contributing to the development of multiple spaceflight programs in a growing engineering team.

Work Environment

You will join a growing engineering team based in Southern California that is focused on spaceflight hardware development. The current team consists of experienced engineers with strong space industry backgrounds and is expected to expand significantly in the coming months. The environment emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and hands-on work with advanced electronic design and test tools. You will have the opportunity to work closely with colleagues on challenging SDR and spaceflight projects, using modern design software, simulation tools, and lab equipment in a professional engineering setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Whittier, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $90.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Whittier,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.